Avalanche News

Roy Inducted Into Hockey Hall Of Fame

TORONTO (AP) -- Patrick Roy, the NHL's winningest goaltender, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 13.

Herb Brooks, coach of the "Miracle on Ice" team that won gold at the 1980 Olympics, Original Six forward Dick Duff and Calgary Flames part-owner Harley Hotchkiss also were inducted.

Brooks, who died in a car accident in 2003, led a team of U.S. college players to the greatest upset in hockey history, the "Miracle on Ice" victory over the mighty Soviet machine in the 1980 Olympic semifinals. The Americans went on to win gold, which they hadn't done since 1960.

"It seems it wasn't just a sporting event," his son, Dan Brooks, said. "It was almost a piece of American history."

Roy was a no-brainer in his first year of eligibility after amassing 551 regular-season wins and 151 playoff victories -- both NHL records -- as well as three Conn Smythe Trophies (1986, '93, '01) as playoff MVP and three Vezina Trophies as the NHL's top goalie (1989, '90, '92).

He played on four Stanley Cup championship teams in 19 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche.

"It was a great career," the 41-year-old Roy said. "It was fun, every minute of it, and I'm happy to still be involved in hockey today. Hockey is my passion."

Brooks began coaching at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, in 1972. He led the Gophers to three NCAA titles and later coached the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Duff played with Toronto, Montreal, Los Angeles, Buffalo and the New York Rangers during an 18-year career that ended in 1972. He won six Stanley Cups with the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, was a seven-time All-Star and finished his career with 283 goals and 572 points in 1,030 games.

"I was almost in tears," Duff said. "This means a lot to me, just like playing hockey meant a lot to me."

Hotchkiss was part of the group that moved the Flames to Calgary from Atlanta. He's still a part owner of the team, and is the chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these four outstanding individuals as Honoured Members," said Jim Gregory, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame. "Their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hockey Hall of Fame is richly deserved."

Born on October 5th, 1965 in Quebec City, Patrick Roy's accomplishments are well chronicled. A third-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1984 Entry Draft, he joined the Canadiens full-time in 1985-86, and that season was named to the NHL's All Rookie Team. He went on to win two Stanley Cup Championships in his 11 seasons in Montreal before being traded to Colorado in December 1995. In Colorado, Patrick continued his winning ways, earning two more Stanley Cup Championships before retiring in 2003. A three-time Conn Smythe and Vezina trophy winner, he is the only goalie in NHL history to win over 200 regular season games with two different teams.

"I'm very fortunate to receive this honour," said Roy. "It brings you back to thinking about your career and the great teammates and tremendous support I have received from my family over the years."

Colorado Avalanche President Pierre Lacroix issued the following statement in regards to the induction of former Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy into the Hockey Hall of Fame:

"Patrick Roy is a true legend of the game. He is a unique inductee for the Hockey Hall of Fame as one who truly influenced and redefined the goaltending position.

"When we acquired Patrick Roy in 1995, we knew what he would bring to our hockey club, but I don't think anybody could've imagined the success we would later enjoy. Our organization and our fans are still in awe of what he has accomplished. The contributions he made to our organization and community will never be forgotten and the images of Patrick hoisting the Cup in 1996 &amp; 2001 will live in our minds forever.

"We were all privileged to have had the opportunity to see Patrick for so many years in an Avalanche uniform. He was a great leader and ambassador of the game whose passion and determination was second-to-none."

A look here at Patrick's career highlights...

· Roy's #33 was retired by the Colorado Avalanche on October 28, 2003

· Winningest goaltender in NHL history (551)

· Winningest playoff goaltender in NHL history (151)

· Only goaltender in NHL history to win 200 or more games with two different teams

· Member of four Stanley Cup Champions -- two with Montreal, two with Colorado (1986, ‘93, ‘96, ‘01)

· Only player in NHL history to win three Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP (1986, ‘93, 2001).